Dynamic Stabilization System Components Including Readily Visualized Polymeric Compositions
AssigneeZimmer Spine, Inc.
InventorKai ZHANG
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Abstract
The disclosure is directed to vertebral stabilization systems including polymeric components having improved selective visualization means, methods of improving the selective visualization of polymeric components of a vertebral stabilization system, and methods of using vertebral stabilization systems including polymeric components having improved selective visualization means to monitor the vertebral stabilization systems during their useful life.
Claims20
A vertebral stabilization system comprising:
- a flexible cord;
- and
- a spacer surrounding a portion of the cord;
- wherein at least one of the cord and the spacer comprises at least one polymerized monomer selected from the group consisting of halogen substituted (meth)acrylates, covalent salts of Group II elements other than beryllium, and chelates of Group II elements other than beryllium.
A method of improving the selective visualization of polymeric components of a vertebral stabilization system, the method comprising:
- providing a vertebral stabilization including a cord and a spacer sized to surround a portion of the cord;
- providing at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of halogen substituted (meth)acrylates, covalent salts of Group II elements other than beryllium, and chelates of Group II elements other than beryllium;
- applying the monomer to at least a portion of one of the cord and the spacer;
- and
- polymerizing the monomer.
A method of monitoring the stability of a vertebral stabilization system, the method comprising:
- providing a vertebral stabilization system including a flexible cord and a spacer sized to surround a portion of the cord;
- providing at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of halogen substituted (meth)acrylates, covalent salts of Group II elements other than beryllium, and chelates of Group II elements other than beryllium;
- applying the monomer to at least a portion of one of the cord and the spacer;
- polymerizing the monomer;
- securing the vertebral stabilization system between a first vertebral anchor and a second vertebral anchor;
- obtaining a first radiographic image of the vertebral stabilization system;
- waiting an interval of time;
- obtaining a second radiographic image of the vertebral stabilization system;
- comparing the first radiographic image to the second radiographic image;
- and
- noting differences between the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.